Circus Poster Collection
Vintage Circus Poster Collection
1 – Ringling Brothers – LINEN MOUNTED
PERFORMING BEARS – New Stunts by Nature’s Real Cpmedians. Bears that Astonish, Amuse and Delight.
Strobridge/C-1890’s – One Sheet Upright – 30 x 40 1/8 inches
Mounted on Acid Free Linen by PosterFix/NYC around 2000 and Never Framed
Gorgeous artwork and vibrant, eye catching colors.
RARE AND IN FABULOUS CONDITION!
1B – Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth.
LINEN MOUNTED – NEVER FRAMED AND ROLLED
IN A TUBE FOR THE PAST 40 YEARS.
OUTSTANDING CONDITION
A congress of martial artists and other athletes from Japan.
Attraction Extraordinary.
A Congress of Japan’s Famous Strong Men, Gladiators, Swordsmen, Wrestlers, Jiu-Jitsu and Athletic Champions.
An action packed, Strobridge stone litho poster with gorgeous, vibrant colors and hues. Features six tableaux of martial artists and other athletes (including pole vaulters and a bear wrestler) watched over by small jugate portraits of Barnum and Bailey from the upper left hand corner—both by 1912 were now deceased.
Strobridge Litho 1912 – One sheet/linen backed – Upright
2 – Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth
NOW LINEN BACKED BY CHICAGO POSTER RESTORATION
COMPLETE RESTORATION WILL BE COMPLETD IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE
CARL CLAIR’S GRAND MILITARY BAND & ORCHESTRA – A rare, and one of the very few actual band posters known to exist. This uncommon example featurs famed Barnum & Bailey bandleader Carl Clair, and a lady cornet soloist, Jennie Millar. This is the same season in which the first lady clown was introduced.
Strobridge/1895 – One Sheet Flat –
Subject to affordability, I have considered for decades to having the following flaws addressed by the professional
poster restorer and linen backing service in Chicago.
Center fold touch up and linen backing.
3 -BARNUM & BAILEY GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH
– LINEN MOUNTED
The world’s greatest and most magnificent entertainment institution.
Amazing acrobatic feats accomplished by a multitude of well-known artists in both hemispheres.
Strobridge/1900 – 2 Sheet Upright – Exact Size – Need to Measure
VERY, VERY RARE 2 SHEET THAT WAS USED DURING THE COURSE OF THE FRENCH SEGMENT OF THE 1897-1902 BARNUM & BAILEY EUROPEAN TOUR. THIS POSTER IS MOUNTED ON ACID FREE LINEN AND IS IN FABULOUS CONDITION. THE COLORS ARE VIVID AND PARTICULARLY VIBRANT. THE COLOR VARIATIONS OF THIS STONE LITHO ARE REMAKABLE. THIS POSTER IS ONE OF SEVERAL THAT PAINS ME TO PART WITH.
4 – Barnum & Bailey
NOW LINEN BACKED BY CHICAGO POSTER RESTORATION
COMPLETE RESTORATION WILL BE COMPLETD IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE
ALADDIN- A magnificient young man in flowing robe heads an unbelievable zigzagging procession of Oriental splendor.
Strobridge/1917 – One Sheet Flat – 40 1/8 X 30 inches
ALL COLORS ARE REMARKABLY VIBRANT. THE COLOR VARIATIONS OF THIS STONE LITHO ARE REMAKABLE. A GORGEOUS CIRCUS POSTER. THE ARTWORK AND LITHOGRAPHY ARE CONSIDERED AMONGST THE VERY FINAST AND DESIRABLE THAT STROBRDIGE EVER PRODUCED. THE CONDITION OF THIS RARE POSTER IS SECOND TO NONE. A PARTICULAR FAVORITE OF MINE THAT I HATE TO PART WITH.
5 – Barnum & Bailey
NOW LINEN BACKED BY CHICAGO POSTER RESTORATION
COMPLETE RESTORATION WILL BE COMPLETD IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE
PERSIA, THE THOUSAND & ONE NIGHTS –A teeming display of Oriental pageantry, the Sultan, attended by adoring beauties, holds his hookah while dreamily watching the street
Strobridge/1916 – One Sheet Flat – 40 X 30 inches
ALL COLORS ARE REMARKABLY VIBRANT. THE COLOR VARIATIONS OF THIS STONE LITHO ARE REMAKABLE. A GORGEOUS CIRCUS POSTER. THE ARTWORK AND LITHOGRAPHY ARE CONSIDERED AMONGST THE VERY FINAST AND DESIRABLE THAT STROBRDIGE EVER PRODUCED. THE CONDITION OF THIS RARE POSTER IS SECOND TO NONE. A PARTICULAR FAVORITE OF MINE THAT I HATE TO PART WITH.
6 – Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth
LINEN MOUNTED AND IN OUTSTANDING CONDITION
CLEVER RIVAL COMIQUES – Three clowns performing novel side-splitting acts with intelligently trained monkeys.
Strobridge/1891 – One Sheet Flat
7 – Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth
NOW LINEN BACKED BY CHICAGO POSTER RESTORATION
COMPLETE RESTORATION WILL BE COMPLETD IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE
CHILDREN’S FAIRY TALES – An extraordinary street parade of golden, fairy tale floats, including Santa Claus and his reindeer in this enchanting and very rare lithograph. The only Strobridge poster that is known to feature an image of Santa Claus that is featured in the poster foreground.
Strobridge/1893 – One Sheet Flat
8 – Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth
NOW LINEN BACKED BY CHICAGO POSTER RESTORATION
COMPLETE RESTORATION WILL BE COMPLETD IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE
AFRICAN GIRAFFE – A rare, beautiful and most delicate animal portrayed in this most pleasing lithograph featuring an adult male, adult female and baby a baby giraffe.
Strobridge/1891 – One Sheet Flat
9 – Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth
NOW LINEN BACKED BY CHICAGO POSTER RESTORATION
COMPLETE RESTORATION WILL BE COMPLETD IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE
AFTER THE BALL – A charming and very rare turn-of-the-century image featuring a trick dog. The comic football tosser.
Strobridge/1898 – Half Sheet Upright
10 – Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth
NOW LINEN BACKED BY CHICAGO POSTER RESTORATION
COMPLETE RESTORATION WILL BE COMPLETD IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE
POUR LES ENFANTS – A whimsical and toatally appealing poster of clowns and performing animals in four rings including wrestling bears, budking donkeys,ball playing bow-wows, a seal orchestra, prandial pachyderms, gamboling goats and dancing pigs.
Strobridge/1902 – One Sheet Flat – 40 1/8 X 30 1/8 inches
11 – Adam Forepaugh & Sells Brothers
NOW LINEN BACKED BY CHICAGO POSTER RESTORATION
COMPLETE RESTORATION WILL BE COMPLETD IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE
THE ORFORDS – The Orford’s, William and Ella, were brief stars of the circus in the period 1895-1899. William’s long term career was better known as a circus jockey or race rider. For this brief period, however, they were features of both Foprepaugh-Sells and the Barnum & Bailey Circus as Principal Riders (which means they performed solo acts in the ring). In three sections, we are shown the horsemanship accomplishments of the Orford couple. The centerpice shows Ella, in red and yellow striped costume, dispensing with the saddle as she stands on her white charger, while William is doing a handstand on his own brown horse. At left, William is also doing a balancing act while standing on one leg and at right, Ella assumes a ballerina stance on horseback. Strobridge reprinted this design for the Barnum & Bailey European tour of 1902.
Strobridge/1902 – One Sheet Flat – 40 1/8 X 30 18 inches
12 – Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth
NOW LINEN BACKED BY CHICAGO POSTER RESTORATION
COMPLETE RESTORATION WILL BE COMPLETD IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE
The Greatest Living Lady Rider (Miss Rose Meers)- Completely Original in Clothing, Fashion, and Actions.
The World’s Largest, Greatest, Best Amusement Institutions.
Strobridge/1900- One Sheet Flat
13 – Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth
NOW LINEN BACKED BY CHICAGO POSTER RESTORATION
COMPLETE RESTORATION WILL BE COMPLETD IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE
MADAME OLYMPIA DESVALL – A waving Mme. Desvall seems oblivious to the rather startling impression she creates as she rolls into the arena on a peculiar wheeled platform pulled by a trotting horse. Mounted on hind legs at her rear is Pegasus, his wings outstretched, with a variety of performing dogs gamboling about the vehicle. True to the copy, it is indeed a novel act.
Strobridge/1914- One Sheet Flat – 40 1/8 X 30 1/8 inches
14 – Barnum & Bailey
NOW LINEN BACKED BY CHICAGO POSTER RESTORATION
COMPLETE RESTORATION WILL BE COMPLETD IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE
MUSICAL ELEPHANT PRODIGIES – Five large herds of pachadryms performing in new novel acts.
Strobridge/1909 – Half Sheet Flat – 29 1/2 X 20 1/8 inches
15 – Adam Forepaugh & Sells Brothers
LINEN MOUNTED
THE NATURAL KINDOM’S ONLY COSMOPOLITAN CAPITAL. Huge and Perfect Wild Beast Wonders From Every Zone.
Strobridge/1896 – One Sheet Flat
THIS POSTER WAS BACKED WITH ACID FREE LINEN 23-25 YEARS AGO BY CHRIS CLOTHIER/POSTERFIX IN NYC. IT IS IN OUTSTANDING CONDITION AND HAS BEEN ROLLED UP IN A TUBE SINCE AROUND 2000 AND STORED IN A CLIMATE CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT
16 – Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus
NOW LINEN BACKED BY CHICAGO POSTER RESTORATION
COMPLETE RESTORATION WILL BE COMPLETD IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE
LOYAL’S LEAPING DOGS – Performing poodles and trick dogs in a humorous act.
Several dog breeds are illustrated performing various tricks with five black poodles striking the dominant chord. Alf Loyal was a prominent dog trainer dating back to the Ring Bros. Circus. In 1924-1925 he presented a group of poodles which, among other things, worked a unique dog drill resembling that of liberty horses.
Strobridge/1924 – Half Sheet Flat – 28 X 20 1/2 inches
17 – Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus
NOW LINEN BACKED BY CHICAGO POSTER RESTORATION
COMPLETE RESTORATION WILL BE COMPLETD IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE
CLOWNS – An unrivalled array of clown portraits looming above a line-up of clown acts. A clownucopia on a blue wave with a black foreground. The background is w\yellow, the letters red. Consiered to be the most vibrant and brightest of all clown posters.
Morgan Litho/1931 – One Sheet Flat
18 – Sells-Floto Circus
LINEN MOUNTED
INTELLIGENT SEALS – Nine sleek and talented performing seals, balancing, and playing instruments under the direction of a band leader.
Strobridge/1932 – One Sheet Upright
THIS POSTER WAS ACID FREE LINEN BACKED 23-25 YEARS AGO BY CHRIS CLOTHIER/POSTERFIX IN NYC. IT IS IN OUTSTANDING CONDITION AND HAS BEEN ROLLED UP IN A TUBE SINCE AROUND 2000 AND STORED IN A CLIMATE CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT
19 – SELLS BROTHERS AND BARRETT
THE MIKADO TROUPE OF YEDDO JAPANESE – An invaluable recent augmentation to the myriad novelties & stellar attractions which are strictly new to AMERICAN AUDIENCES. A Japanese act of balance and dexterity performing in kimonos of many gorgeous hues. The performer in the center is spinning a box on a twirling parasol.
This is a gorgeous, and extremely rare circus poster. Possibly one of a kind.
Strobridge/1888- One Sheet Upright
NOTE: SADLY, THIS POSTER WAS MOUNTED ON CHARTEX AND THE FACE OF THE POSTER IS COVERED IN SHALLAC. DESPITE THE YELLOWNG CAUSED BY THE CHARTEX AND/OR THE SHELLAC, THE PATINA AND COLORS STILL DEMENOSTRATE EXCELLENT STROBRIDGE STONE LITHO CRAFTSMANSHIP. THIS BEAUTIFUL POSTER APPEARS TO BE IN THE SAME CONDITION AS WHEN THIS PHOTO WAS TAKEN IN 1990. IT WAS REMOVED FROM THE FRAME 26 YEARS AGO HAS BEEN STORED IN A TUBE IN A CLIMATE CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT.
20 – Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth
LINEN MOUNTED
IMRE KIRALFY – MOORS OF GRANADA – Dancing girls with raised garlands perform in front of an elaborately domed palace in Imre Kiralfy’s “Columbus and the Discovery of America” spectacle.
Strobridge/1892 One Sheet Flat – 40 x 30 inches
NOTE: THIS POSTER HAS NEVER BEEN FRAMED. HOWEVER, IT WAS PROFESSIONALLY MOUNTED ON ACID FREE LINEN IN 2000 BY CHRIS CLTOTHIER/POSTER FIX IN NYC AND STORED IN A TUBE NOW FOR 25 YEARS.
THIS POSTER IS IN OUTSTANDING CONDITION.
21 – Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth
LINEN MOUNTED
IMRE KIRALFY – THE MOORISH KING – A picturesque ballet of beautiful dancers presented at the palace of the Alhambra in Granada as part of Imre Kiralfy’s “Columbus and the Discovery of Amaerica”
Strobridge/1892 One Sheet Flat
NOTE: THIS POSTER HAS NEVER BEEN FRAMED. HOWEVER, IT WAS PROFESSIONALLY MOUNTED ON ACID FREE LINEN IN 2000 BY CHRIS CLTOTHIER/POSTER FIX IN NYC AND STORED IN A TUBE NOW FOR 25 YEARS.
THIS POSTER IS IN OUTSTANDING CONDITION.
22 – Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth
LINEN MOUNTED
IMRE KIRALFY – WALLS OF GRANADA – Presented as part of the “Columbus and the Discovery of America” spectacles, Moorish warriors prepare for battle outside the fortified city of Granada.
Strobridge/1892 One Sheet Flat -39.5 x 30 inches
NOTE: THIS POSTER HAS NEVER BEEN FRAMED. HOWEVER, IT WAS PROFESSIONALLY MOUNTED ON ACID FREE LINEN IN 2000 BY CHRIS CLTOTHIER/POSTER FIX IN NYC AND STORED IN A TUBE NOW FOR 25 YEARS.
THIS POSTER IS IN OUTSTANDING CONDITION.
23 – CHRISTY BROS. BIG 5 RING WILD ANIMAL SHOWS
LINEN MOUNTED
Riverside/C-1925 One Sheet Flat
ACID FREE LINEN MOUNTED AND IN VERY FINE CONDITION
24 – COLE BROS. CIRCUS
LINEN MOUNTED
BOXING HORSES – Direct from England. First time in America.
Erie Litho/C-1930’s One Sheet Upright
ACID FREE LINEN MOUNTED AND IN EXCELLENT CONDITION
25 – COLE BROS. CIRCUS
NOW LINEN BACKED BY CHICAGO POSTER RESTORATION
COMPLETE RESTORATION WILL BE COMPLETD IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE
GETTING READY FOR THE RING
Erie Litho/C-1930’s One Sheet Upright
26 – COLE BROS. CIRCUS
NOW LINEN BACKED BY CHICAGO POSTER RESTORATION
COMPLETE RESTORATION WILL BE COMPLETD IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE
CHILDREN’S FAVORITE CIRCUS – An absolutely delightful and delighted pair of children perched giggling atop the giant hippo in front of a huge circus tent while clowns watch on.
Erie Litho/1942 One Sheet Flat – 41 X 28 inches
27 – RINGLING BROS. & BARNUM & BAILEY
LINEN MOUNTED
MONKEYING AROUND
The following one sheet was released in 1942/1943 and the artist was Lawson Wood. This poster is mounted on acid free linen.
28 – Hal Roach – 1927 Silent Film Movie Poster
LINEN MOUNTED – HOWEVER EXISTING LINEN HAD BECOME DAMAGED
NOW NEWLY LINEN BACKED BY CHICAGO POSTER RESTORATION
COMPLETE RESTORATION WILL BE COMPLETD IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE
“TWO-TIME MAMA”
FEATURING ‘GLENN TRYON AND VIVIEN OAKLAND
LINEN BACKED Three Sheet/Morgan Litho 1927 Upright
OUTSTANDING CONDITION FEATURING
EXQUISITE ARTWORK AND GORGEOUS COLORS
29 – Dan Rice 3 Ring Circus 84th Annual Tour
Established in 1852
COMBINED WITH THE FAMOUS GENTRY BROS. DOGS AND PONIES
REAL BUCK SELLS WILD WEST
CENTRAL SHOW PRINTING CO. MASON CITY, IOWA
One Sheet
NOT LINEN BACKED – HAS BEEN ROLLED IN A TUBE FOR MANY YEARS
Excellent condition with no tape nor fold lines or creases nor frayed border edges
If the dates are accurate this poster dates to 1936
I am not sure where I obtained this poster. But, I think it was sent to me by the
Phillips Auction Company in 1987 either by mistake (non on paid invoice), or as an
unpaid bonus from a listing that did not sell.
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/dan-rice-3-ring-circus-poster-804-c-8bc481db32?
Est. $100/$200
ONE SHEET, CENTRAL SHOW PRINTING, C.1930’S. 84TH ANNUAL TOUR, COMBINED WITH THE FAMOUS GENTRY BROS. DOGS AND PONIES, BUCK SELLS REAL WILD WEST. FOLDS. MARGINAL WEAR, TAPE ON VERSO. 28″X42″
Sold for $60.00 on September 03, 2023
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/en-gb/item/227550932_vintage-dan-rice-3-ring-circus-lithograph-poster-clearwater-fl
Sold for $150.00 on March 21, 2026
30
ODDS AND ENDS
31 – THE GREAT VICTORINA TROUPE
MAGIC POSTER FEATURING “KAR-MI”
One Sheet/C1912 Upright
The paper is in good shape and the colors are quite vibrant. However, the poster is mounted on heavy, rigid card stock. This was probably done so that the poster could stand upright in a merchant’s display window. this poster will be shipped to Chicago to be linen mounted. Also, the unsightly brown sticker ‘See KAR-MI” which was commonly applied to this poster will be removed.
THE GREAT VITORIANA TROUPE
MAGIC POSTER FEATURING “KAR-MI”
WITHOUT ‘KAR-MI’ STICKER
32 – KAR-MI SWALLOWS A LOADED GUN BARREL
WILL BE LINEN MOUNTED IF UPPER LEFT CORNER CAN BE REPAIRED
WITH UPPER LEFT CORNER MISSING
THIS POSTER IS MOUNTED ON HEAVY, RIGID CARD STOCK. THE EXPENSE TO HAVE THIS POSTER LINEN MOUNTED AND HAVE THE UPPER LEFT CORNER RESTORED MAY BE PROHIBITIVE.
KAR-MI SWALLOWS A LOADED GUN BARREL
WITHOUT UPPER LEFT CORNER MISSING
33 – The Famous Brothers Byrne in the New 8 Bells Vaudeville Theatrical Advertising Chromolithograph Poster – 1894
I am clueless regarding the potential value of this poster. However, the high quality artwork and subject matter are eye catching. Also, the colors remain quite vibrant. The workmanship of the Greve Show Print Co of Milwaukee stone lithography on this poster is outstanding.
Possibly Shrink wrapped over foamcore stiff board. The plastic wrapping secures the face of this poster to the stiff backing board by what appears to be alumunium tape that looks like the tape used by HVAC technicians.
If the cost to remove the plastic, backing board, and tape is affordable, I would like to have this poster linen backed.
34 – The Only Rossi Trio In The World
The Rossi Trio appears to be a vaudeville/variety show act dating to the early 20th century. This is poster promoting the Rossi Trio act.
Other than that I haven’t the remotest idea of what the potential value of this poster might be. This poster has water stains to top and bottom of poster. This poster is also mounted on a stiff backing board. If this poster might be worth something meaningful above and beyound the cost to repair and linen mount, i will have needed repairs made.
